Upacikā (f.) [connected with Sk. upadīkā, although the relation is not quite clear. Attempts at explns. by Trencker Notes 62 (*utpādikā > upatikā > upacikā) & Kern, Toev. p. 102 (upacikā = Vedic upajīka, this fr. upajihikā for ˚dihikā, vv. ll. upadehihā & upadīkā). It may however be a direct der. from upa + ci, thus meaning "making heaps, a builder"] the termite or white ant Vin ii.113, 148, 152; iii.151; M i.306; J iii.320; iv.331; Miln 363, 392; Vism 62, DhA ii.25; iii.15.

Pali-English Dictionary, TW Rhys Davids, William Stede,